News briefs for January 22, 2002

Tuesday, Jan. 22, 2002 | 11:01 a.m.

New program to be launched

Gov. Kenny Guinn is scheduled to launch a newly named Internet program Wednesday to help the unemployed find jobs.

The state now operates one-stop offices in Las Vegas and Reno allowing the jobless to find employment opportunities, get training or rehabilitation.

The new Internet system will be called "Nevada Job Connect" and will combine one website for all of the information, instead of the numerous sites.

It will incorporate employee-employer matching services, job training, financial assistance and incentives and more in one location. It can be accessed by calling (702) 651-2600, by visiting the new website (www.nevadajobconnect.com) or at the JobConnect site located at 2401 Las Verdes St.

A spokeswoman for Nevada Job Connect said a survey showed that less than 5 percent of the employers know there are incentives available for hiring new workers. And this new system will provide more information.

Man with metal object shot

A Metro Police officer who shot a man who pulled a metal object from his pants was identified this morning as Officer Dave Gilbert.

Police said Gilbert, 40, a Metro officer since 1993, shot John Slayden Jr. about 6 p.m. Friday after confronting him near the American Foundation for Ballet and Fencing studio at Desert Inn Road and the Pecos-McLeod connector. Slayden was taken to University Medical Center and listed in fair condition.

Police said Slayden walked aggressively toward Gilbert and pulled an object out of his pocket. Gilbert fired several shots. The metal item was an L-shaped piece of metal, part of a pipe wrench, pollice said.

Slayden will be charged with assault with a deadly weapon after he is released from the hospital, police said.

Victim of homicide ID'd

The name of a woman found dead in her home last week was released this morning.

Janice Kendricks, 45, was found dead in her apartment on Golden Lane near Hacienda Avenue and Maryland Parkway Thursday about 7 p.m. by her brother. An autopsy determined the manner of her death was homicide. A cause of death has not been released.

33-year-old found near downtown

A man found fatally wounded near downtown Las Vegas has been identified as 33-year-old John Hernandez.

Hernandez was found shot in the 2200 block of Sunrise Avenue near Eastern Avenue Saturday about midnight. He was taken to University Medical Center, where he died, Metro Police said.

No suspect has been arrested in connection with the slaying. A small brown car was seen leaving the area after the shooting.

Anyone with information in this case is asked to call Metro's homicide unit at 229-3521 or Secret Witness at 385-5555.